Category Archives: Outdoors

Walk Pittsburgh from anywhere

If you have read any of my posts on Urban Hike, you will know I am a big fan of walking around this city.  When I was in high school I read Annie Dillard’s An American Childhood.  Annie writes about growing up in Pittsburgh and I was addicted to this book as she attended the same high school and church that attended.  Annie writes about  learning to drive and exploring the neighborhoods of Pittsburgh and I often  think of her books as I explore one more alley that I have never driven down.  To this day, Gold way is still my favorite.

Walking Pittsburgh is way better than driving Pittsburgh.  If you are a regular IheartPGH reader you will know we are bigs fans of Urban Hike and I also highly recommend the South Side Slopes Step Trek (whcih is coming up on Oct. 14).

There is a new blog in town – Walking Pittsburgh.  My dear friends Matt and Tiffany have set up a great blog with amazing pictures from different walks around Pittsburgh.  So even if you can’t leave your home, or you are reading this from outside Pittsburgh you can see what different neighborhoods look like.  Each walk include information about architecture, history, some fun facts and a map of their walk.

Check out the statue of liberty they found that is made out of logos on their walk around Allegheny West.

Dragon Boat Festival

I am excited to write about this festival because The Dragon Boat Festival was one of the first events I posted when we started IheartPGH.com.

The festival is back for another fun filled day of chinese culture…

The Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival features traditional Asian music, dance, and food, plus arts and crafts for the children. Asian art, clothing, jewelry, fans, and much more is available along the Dragon Stroll. Learn how to use chop sticks, experience time-honored martial arts, demonstrations of Chinese yo-yo, tai chi, and much more.

Visitors are also welcome to try their hand at Dragon Boating. Each ornately-carved boat is 44 feet long and features brightly-painted dragon heads and tails that loom ominously at the fore and aft of each craft. A Dragon Boat seats 20 paddlers, a steersperson and a drummer to sound the beat. This is a truly unique experience and one that you may never again encounter.

Teams will compete all day and there will be food and activities to learn about Chinese and Pan-Asian cultures in Pittsburgh.

Can’t Make the Festival: Check out Three Rivers Rowing Asociation for Dragon Boat outings (and other opportunities to get on the water)
Three Rivers Rowing Assocaiton – http://www.threeriversrowing.org

Walk to D’Feet ALS

ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The ALS association of Western PA does a tremendous amount to support those living with ALS right here in Western, Pa. The walk to D’Feet ALS is ALS Association largest annual fundraiser to raise money for patient services and research; and to raise awareness about ALS.  This is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the zoo and to support a great cause.

Walk to D’Feet ALS

Schedule: Registration begins at 8:00am, walk participants must enter the zoo by 9:00am in order to receive free admission to the zoo. The Walk begins promptly at 9:15am.
Date: September 15, 2007
Location: Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aqurium

For more Information call Tiffany Cramer at 412-261-5940 or email Tiffany@cure4als.org directly.


Dog Days of Summer

Well it isn’t actually the dog days of summer because we are past the hottest days of the summer.  According to Wikipedia, the dog days of summer are usually mid July to mid August.  But this event deserves the name dog days.  You and your favorite pet can enjoy one last splash of summer together at Sandcastle.

This is definitly the ultimate canine pool party.  All proceeds benefit Animal Friends.

Before the pools are drained for the summer and autumn leaves cover the park grounds, Sandcastle Water Park is throwing open its gates for the ultimate canine pool party. Hot dogs will find cool relief at Sandcastle, splashing around in the wave pool and feasting on chicken-flavored snow cones. Human guests will enjoy fun games and a canine bathing suit contest. We’ll also be offering a “kiddie pool” reserved for dogs 35-pounds and under to frolic with fidos of their own size!

Limited spaces are available, so register early! Admission is $15 per dog and benefits our homeless residents. Humans may attend for free. Don’t miss this guaranteed great time! Call 412.847.7056 to secure your spot for the 1:30 – 3:30 session today!

There are a couple of things mentioned in this event description that are worth repeating…

  • chicken-flavored snow cones
  • canine bathing suit contest
  • kiddie pool for smaller dogs

From the Trib website:

Dogs must be non-aggressive, over four months of age, current on shots and wearing an identification tag. Owners must accompany their dogs at all times and keep dogs leashed while outside of the pool. The swimming fun is exclusively for the canine crowd; humans are permitted in the pool only up to their knees.

Last Splash of Summer
Saturday September 8, 1:30-3:30pm
Sandcastle Waterpark
$15/dog, Humans Free

(via Black Tie Pittsburgh)

Happy Hour Squared – Live Music from Blindsider and Liz Berlin in Market Square

Market Square

Market Square 2008 – Stay & Play Fridays hosted by PUMP

Thursdays is the day for happy hour in Market Square. Thursday, September 13th is the final Live at the Square.  Stop by Market Square for a happy hour extraordinaire. Live music from local bands Blindsider and Liz Berlin.  Liz Berlin is a member of Rusted Root and she is a co-owner of the venue Mr. Smalls Fun House.
Live at the Square
Happy Hour in Market Square
Thursday, September 13, 5:30-7:30 pm
More Info: DowntownPittsburgh.com